check engine YAMAHA YZF-R1 2011 User Guide

OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-2
5
NOTICE
ECA11833
If a warning or indicator light does
not come on initially when the key is
turned to “ON”, or if a warning or in-
dicator light remains on, see page
3-4 for the corresponding warning
and indicator light circuit check.2. Shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position. The neutral indicator
light should come on. If not, ask a
Yamaha dealer to check the elec-
trical circuit.
3. Start the engine by pushing the
start switch.
If the engine fails to start, release
the start switch, wait a few sec-
onds, and then try again. Each
starting attempt should be as short
as possible to preserve the bat-
tery. Do not crank the engine more
than 10 seconds on any one at-
tempt.NOTICE
ECA11042
For maximum engine life, never ac-
celerate hard when the engine is
cold!
EAU16671
Shifting Shifting gears lets you control the
amount of engine power available for
starting off, accelerating, climbing hills,
etc.
The gear positions are shown in the il-
lustration.TIPTo shift the transmission into the neu-
tral position, press the shift pedal down
repeatedly until it reaches the end of its
travel, and then slightly raise it.
NOTICE
ECA10260


Even with the transmission in
the neutral position, do not
coast for long periods of time
with the engine off, and do not
tow the motorcycle for long dis-
tances. The transmission is
properly lubricated only when
the engine is running. Inade-
quate lubrication may damage
the transmission.


Always use the clutch while
changing gears to avoid damag-
ing the engine, transmission,
and drive train, which are not
designed to withstand the
shock of forced shifting.
1. Shift pedal
2. Neutral position
1 1
2
2 3 4
5 6
N
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OPERATION AND IMPORTANT RIDING POINTS
5-3
5
EAU16810
Tips for reducing fuel con-
sumption Fuel consumption depends largely on
your riding style. Consider the following
tips to reduce fuel consumption:

Shift up swiftly, and avoid high en-
gine speeds during acceleration.


Do not rev the engine while shifting
down, and avoid high engine
speeds with no load on the engine.


Turn the engine off instead of let-
ting it idle for an extended length of
time (e.g., in traffic jams, at traffic
lights or at railroad crossings).
EAU16841
Engine break-in There is never a more important period
in the life of your engine than the period
between 0 and 1600 km (1000 mi). For
this reason, you should read the follow-
ing material carefully.
Since the engine is brand new, do not
put an excessive load on it for the first
1600 km (1000 mi). The various parts in
the engine wear and polish themselves
to the correct operating clearances.
During this period, prolonged full-throt-
tle operation or any condition that might
result in engine overheating must be
avoided.
EAU17083
0–1000 km (0–600 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 6900
r/min. NOTICE: After 1000 km (600
mi) of operation, the engine oil must
be changed and the oil filter car-
tridge or element replaced.
[ECA10302]
1000–1600 km (600–1000 mi)
Avoid prolonged operation above 8300
r/min.1600 km (1000 mi) and beyond
The vehicle can now be operated nor-
mally.
NOTICE
ECA10310


Keep the engine speed out of
the tachometer red zone.


If any engine trouble should oc-
cur during the engine break-in
period, immediately have a
Yamaha dealer check the vehi-
cle.
TIPDuring and after the engine break-in
period, the exhaust heat may cause
discoloration of the exhaust pipe, but
this is normal.
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-6
6
21*Shock absorber as-
semblyCheck operation and shock ab-
sorber for oil leakage.√√√√
22*Rear suspension re-
lay arm and con-
necting arm
pivoting pointsCheck operation.√√√√
23 Engine oilChange.
Check oil level and vehicle for oil
leakage.√√√√√√
24Engine oil filter car-
tridgeReplace.√√√
25*Cooling systemCheck coolant level and vehicle
for coolant leakage.√√√√√
Change. Every 3 years
26*Front and rear brake
switchesCheck operation.√√√√√√
27Moving parts and
cablesLubricate.√√√√√
28*Throttle gripCheck operation.
Check throttle grip free play, and
adjust if necessary.
Lubricate cable and grip housing.√√√√√
29*Lights, signals and
switchesCheck operation.
Adjust headlight beam.√√√√√√ NO. ITEM CHECK OR MAINTENANCE JOBODOMETER READING
ANNUAL
CHECK 1000 km
(600 mi)10000 km
(6000 mi)20000 km
(12000 mi)30000 km
(18000 mi)40000 km
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-11
6
EAU19652
Checking the spark plugs The spark plugs are important engine
components, which should be checked
periodically, preferably by a Yamaha
dealer. Since heat and deposits will
cause any spark plug to slowly erode,
they should be removed and checked
in accordance with the periodic mainte-
nance and lubrication chart. In addition,
the condition of the spark plugs can re-
veal the condition of the engine.
The porcelain insulator around the cen-
ter electrode of each spark plug should
be a medium-to-light tan (the ideal color
when the vehicle is ridden normally),
and all spark plugs installed in the en-
gine should have the same color. If any
spark plug shows a distinctly different
color, the engine could be operating im-
properly. Do not attempt to diagnose
such problems yourself. Instead, have
a Yamaha dealer check the vehicle.
If a spark plug shows signs of electrode
erosion and excessive carbon or other
deposits, it should be replaced.Before installing a spark plug, the spark
plug gap should be measured with a
wire thickness gauge and, if necessary,
adjusted to specification.
Clean the surface of the spark plug
gasket and its mating surface, and then
wipe off any grime from the spark plug
threads.
TIPIf a torque wrench is not available when
installing a spark plug, a good estimate
of the correct torque is 1/4–1/2 turn
past finger tight. However, the spark
plug should be tightened to the speci-
fied torque as soon as possible.NOTICE
ECA10840
Do not use any tools to remove or in-
stall the spark plug cap, otherwise
the ignition coil coupler may get
damaged. The spark plug cap may
be difficult to remove because the
rubber seal on the end of the cap fits
tightly. To remove the spark plug
cap, simply twist it back and forth
while pulling it out; to install it, twist
it back and forth while pushing it in.
Specified spark plug:
NGK/LMAR9E-J
1. Spark plug gap
Spark plug gap:
0.6–0.7 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
Tightening torque:
Spark plug:
13 Nm (1.3 m·kgf, 9.4 ft·lbf)
1
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-12
6
EAU47281
Engine oil and oil filter car-
tridge The engine oil level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the oil
must be changed and the oil filter car-
tridge replaced at the intervals speci-
fied in the periodic maintenance and
lubrication chart.
To check the engine oil level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion. A slight tilt to the side can
result in a false reading.
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Wait a few minutes until the oil set-
tles, and then check the oil level
through the check window located
at the bottom-right side of the
crankcase.TIPThe engine oil should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
4. If the engine oil is at or below the
minimum level mark, add sufficient
oil of the recommended type to
raise it to the correct level.
To change the engine oil (with or
without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment)
1. Remove cowlings C and D. (See
page 6-8.)
2. Start the engine, warm it up for
several minutes, and then turn it
off.
3. Place an oil pan under the engine
to collect the used oil.4. Remove the engine oil filler cap,
the engine oil drain bolt and its
gasket to drain the oil from the
crankcase.
TIPSkip steps 5–7 if the oil filter cartridge is
not being replaced.5. Remove the oil filter cartridge with
an oil filter wrench.
1. Engine oil level check window
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
4. Engine oil filler cap
2 4
13
1. Engine oil drain bolt
2. Gasket
12
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-14
6
TIPBe sure to wipe off spilled oil on any
parts after the engine and exhaust sys-
tem have cooled down.NOTICE
ECA11620


In order to prevent clutch slip-
page (since the engine oil also
lubricates the clutch), do not
mix any chemical additives. Do
not use oils with a diesel speci-
fication of “CD” or oils of a high-
er quality than specified. In
addition, do not use oils labeled
“ENERGY CONSERVING II” or
higher.


Make sure that no foreign mate-
rial enters the crankcase.
10. Start the engine, and then let it idle
for several minutes while checking
it for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, im-
mediately turn the engine off and
check for the cause.TIPAfter the engine is started, the engine
oil level warning light should go off if the
oil level is sufficient.NOTICE
ECA10401
If the oil level warning light flickers
or remains on even if the oil level is
correct, immediately turn the engine
off and have a Yamaha dealer check
the vehicle.11. Turn the engine off, wait a few min-
utes until the oil settles, and then
check the oil level and correct it if
necessary.
12. Install the cowlings.
EAU20070
Coolant The coolant level should be checked
before each ride. In addition, the cool-
ant must be changed at the intervals
specified in the periodic maintenance
and lubrication chart.
EAU38173
To check the coolant level
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and hold it in an upright posi-
tion.TIP

The coolant level must be checked
on a cold engine since the level
varies with engine temperature.


Make sure that the vehicle is posi-
tioned straight up when checking
the coolant level. A slight tilt to the
side can result in a false reading.
2. Check the coolant level in the cool-
ant reservoir.TIPThe coolant should be between the
minimum and maximum level marks.
Recommended engine oil:
See page 8-1.
Oil quantity:
Without oil filter cartridge replace-
ment:
3.73 L (3.94 US qt, 3.28 Imp.qt)
With oil filter cartridge replacement:
3.93 L (4.15 US qt, 3.46 Imp.qt)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-15
6 3. If the coolant is at or below the
minimum level mark, remove the
coolant reservoir cover by remov-
ing the bolts, remove the coolant
reservoir cap, and then add cool-
ant to the maximum level mark.
WARNING! Remove only the
coolant reservoir cap. Never at-
tempt to remove the radiator
cap when the engine is hot.
[EWA15161]
NOTICE: If coolant is not
available, use distilled water or
soft tap water instead. Do not
use hard water or salt water
since it is harmful to the engine.
If water has been used insteadof coolant, replace it with cool-
ant as soon as possible, other-
wise the cooling system will not
be protected against frost and
corrosion. If water has been
added to the coolant, have a
Yamaha dealer check the anti-
freeze content of the coolant as
soon as possible, otherwise the
effectiveness of the coolant will
be reduced.
[ECA10472]
4. Install the reservoir cap, and then
install the coolant reservoir cover
by installing the bolts.
EAU47302
To change the coolant
1. Place the vehicle on a level sur-
face and let the engine cool if nec-
essary.
2. Remove cowlings B and C. (See
page 6-8.)
3. Place a container under the engine
to collect the used coolant.
1. Coolant reservoir
2. Maximum level mark
3. Minimum level mark
1
3 2
1. Coolant reservoir cover
2. Bolt
1
2
1. Coolant reservoir cap
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to
the maximum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-17
6 12. Pour the recommended coolant
into the radiator until it is full.
13. Install the radiator cap, start the
engine, let it idle for several min-
utes, and then turn it off.
14. Remove the radiator cap to check
the coolant level in the radiator. If
necessary, add sufficient coolant
until it reaches the top of the radia-
tor, and then install the radiator
cap.
15. Start the engine, and then check
the vehicle for coolant leakage. If
coolant is leaking, have a Yamaha
dealer check the cooling system.16. Install the coolant reservoir cover
by installing the bolts.
17. Install the cowlings.
EAU36764
Air filter element The air filter element must be replaced
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
Have a Yamaha dealer replace the air
filter element.
Antifreeze/water mixture ratio:
1:1
Recommended antifreeze:
High-quality ethylene glycol anti-
freeze containing corrosion inhibi-
tors for aluminum engines
Coolant quantity:
Radiator capacity (including all
routes):
2.73 L (2.89 US qt, 2.40 Imp.qt)
Coolant reservoir capacity (up to the
maximum level mark):
0.25 L (0.26 US qt, 0.22 Imp.qt)
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-18
6
EAU44734
Checking the engine idling
speed Check the engine idling speed and, if
necessary, have it corrected by a
Yamaha dealer.
EAU21384
Checking the throttle grip free
play The throttle grip free play should mea-
sure 3.0–5.0 mm (0.12–0.20 in) at the
inner edge of the throttle grip. Periodi-
cally check the throttle grip free play
and, if necessary, have a Yamaha deal-
er adjust it.
EAU21401
Valve clearance The valve clearance changes with use,
resulting in improper air-fuel mixture
and/or engine noise. To prevent this
from occurring, the valve clearance
must be adjusted by a Yamaha dealer
at the intervals specified in the periodic
maintenance and lubrication chart.
Engine idling speed:
1150–1250 r/min
1. Throttle grip free play
1
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6-27
6
EAU23025
Cleaning and lubricating the
drive chain The drive chain must be cleaned and
lubricated at the intervals specified in
the periodic maintenance and lubrica-
tion chart, otherwise it will quickly wear
out, especially when riding in dusty or
wet areas. Service the drive chain as
follows.NOTICE
ECA10583
The drive chain must be lubricated
after washing the motorcycle, riding
in the rain or riding in wet areas.1. Clean the drive chain with kero-
sene and a small soft brush.
NOTICE: To prevent damaging
the O-rings, do not clean the
drive chain with steam cleaners,
high-pressure washers or inap-
propriate solvents.
[ECA11121]
2. Wipe the drive chain dry.
3. Thoroughly lubricate the drive
chain with a special O-ring chain
lubricant. NOTICE: Do not use
engine oil or any other lubri-
cants for the drive chain, as theymay contain substances that
could damage the O-rings.
[ECA11111]EAU23094
Checking and lubricating the
cables The operation of all control cables and
the condition of the cables should be
checked before each ride, and the ca-
bles and cable ends should be lubricat-
ed if necessary. If a cable is damaged
or does not move smoothly, have a
Yamaha dealer check or replace it.
WARNING! Damage to the outer
housing of cables may result in in-
ternal rusting and cause interfer-
ence with cable movement. Replace
damaged cables as soon as possi-
ble to prevent unsafe conditions.[EWA10711]
Recommended lubricant:
Yamaha Chain and Cable Lube or 4-
stroke engine oil
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